Snap Election and Canada Immigration

In a bid to strengthen the conservative government, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has called for a snap election. "Between now and October 14, Canadians will choose a government to look out for their interests at a time of global economic trouble," Mr Harper said in a statement. "They will choose between direction or uncertainty; between common sense or risky experiments; between steadiness or recklessness."

How will this affect Canada's immigration program?The conservative government has managed to pass into law the proposed amendments to immigration regulation few months ago. This new law gives that Immigration Minister the power to decide on who will prioritized in processing immigrant visa applications. The liberals and other parties oppose this part of the law.

The Immigration Minister is set to issue instruction to visa offices regarding the much awaited list of immigration priorities. However, this may only happen if the conservatives managed to get enough numbers after the election. Otherwise, the liberals and other opposition parties may repeal part of that law that gives the Immigration Minister without a check and balance.